Better place no wit can finde, Cupids yoake to loose or binde,
These sweet flowers on fine bed too,
Vs in their best language woo, Take me
to thee, and thee to me, No, no,
no, no, my Deere, let be.

This small light the Moone bestowes,
Serues thy beames but to enclose,
So to raise my hap more hie,
Feare not else, none can vs spie. Take me
to thee, and thee to me, No, no,
no, no, my Deare, let be.

That you heard was but a Mouse,
Dumbe sleepe holdeth all the house,
Yet a-sleepe me thinks they say,
Young folkes, take time while you may. Take me
to thee, and thee to me, No, no,
no, no, my Deare, let be.

Niggard Time threats, if we misse
This large offer of our blisse,
Long stay, ere he graunt the same,
(Sweet then) while each thing dooth frame, Take me
to thee, and thee to me, No, no,
no, no, my Deere, let be.

Better place no wit can find Cupid's yoke to loose or bind.
These sweet flowers, on fine bed too,
Us in their best language woo. Take me
to thee, and thee to me, No, no,
no, no, my Dear, let be.18

This small light the Moon bestows
Serves thy beams but to enclose,
So to raise my hap more high.
Fear not else, none can us spy. Take me
to thee, and thee to me, No, no,
no, no, my Dear, let be. 24

That you heard was but a Mouse,
Dumb sleep holdeth all the house,
Yet asleep, me thinks they say,
Young folks, take time while you may. Take me
to thee, and thee to me, No, no,
no, no, my Dear, let be.30

Niggard Time threats, if we miss
This large offer of our bliss,
Long stay, ere he grant the same:
Sweet then, while each thing doth frame, Take me
to thee, and thee to me, No, no,
no, no, my Dear, let be.36

Your fair Mother is a bed,
Candles out, and curtains spread,
She thinks you do letters write,
Write, but let me first indite: Take me
to thee, and thee to me, No, no,
no, no, my Dear, let be.42

Woe to me, and you do swear
Me to hate. But I forbear.
Cursèd be my destinies all
That brought me to so high a fall. Soon with
my death I will please thee: No, no,
no, no, my Dear, let be.54

FINISSir Philip Sidney

NOTES

1. only joy = my only joy, my chief delight.
i.e his beloved girl.
2. Fit to hear =
able to listen.
5. Take me to thee etc. = sleep with me.
6. No, no etc. - the lady protests.
let be = let me alone, do not pester me with your desires.
9. hence = far off.
good care doth keep = is concerned with other things; keeps an eye on us.
13. Better place = there is no place which.
wit = invention, imagination, cunning.
14. Cupid's yoke = the bonds of love. A yoke is part of the harness
of an ox, used when it is harnessed to the plough, or to a cart. It is a
metaphor of imprisonment, or lack of liberty.
loose = release.
15. on fine bed too - he is presumably referring to flowers in a garden
bed. The nocturnal meeting is probably taking place in a garden.
16. Us in their best language woo = by their beauty suggest that (time is
fleeting, and you are beautiful, we should make love, etc. etc.).
19. bestows = grants us.
20. serves thy beams but to enclose = is good in that it illuminates your
beauty.
21. so to = in order to.
raise my hap more high = increase my good fortune.
22. not else = nothing else.
25. That you heard = that noise which you heard.
27. they say - i.e. all those in the house.
31. Niggard = stingy, miserly, mean.
miss = lose, let slip.
32. large = generous.
33. Long stay = there will be a long delay.
34. while each thing doth frame = while circumstances work to our advantage.
37 a bed = in bed.
38. curtains spread - beds of the period frequently had curtains draped
all around them to keep out draughts.
40. indite = write.
44. concord = peace, tranquillity.
fitteth = befits, is fitting for.
45. Mars - the god of war.
49. and you do swear = if you should swear.
50. me to hate = to hate me.
52. so high a fall = so great a disappointment.

THEORELLO

A Sheepheards Edillion

THEORELLO

A Shepherd's Edillion

You Sheepheards which on hillocks sit,
like Princes in their throanes :
And guide your flocks, which else would flit,
your flocks of little ones :
Good Kings haue not disdained it,
but Sheepheards haue beene named :
A sheepe-hooke is a Scepter fit,
for people well reclaimed.
The Sheepheards life so honour'd is and praised :
That Kings lesse happy seeme, though higher raised.

The Sommer Sunne hath guilded faire,
with morning rayes the mountaines :
The birds doo caroll in the ayre,
and naked Nimphs in Fountaines.
The Siluanes in their shagged haire,
with Hamadriades trace :
The shadie Satires make a Quiere,
which rocks with Ecchoes grace.
All breathe delight, all solace in the season :
Not now to sing, were enemie to reason.

Cosma my
Loue, and more then so,
the life of mine affections :
Nor life alone, but Lady too,
and Queene of their directions.Cosma my Loue, is faire you know,
and which you Sheepheards know not :
Is (Sophi said) thence called so,
but names her beauty showe not.
Yet hath the world no better name then she :
And then the world, no fairer thing can be.

The Sunne vpon her fore-head stands,
(or iewell Sunne-like glorious,)
Her fore-head wrought with Ioues owne hands,
for heauenly white notorious.
Her golden lockes like Hermus sands,
(or then bright Hermus brighter :)
A spangled Cauill binds in with bands,
then siluer morning lighter.
And if the Planets are the chiefe in skies :
No other starres then Planets are her eyes.

Her cheeke, her lip, fresh cheeke, more fresh,
then selfe-blowne buds of Roses :
Rare lip, more red then those of flesh,
which thousand sweetes encloses :
Sweet breath, which all things dooth refresh,
and words than breath farre sweeter :
Cheeke firme, lip firme, not fraile nor nesh,
as substance which is fleeter.
In praise doo not surmount, although in placing :
Her christall necke, round breast, and armes embracing.

The thorough-shining ayre I weene,
is not so perfect cleare :
As is the skie of her faire skinne,
whereon no spots appeare.
The parts which ought not to be seene,
for soueraigne woorth excell :
Her thighs with Azure braunched beene,
and all in her are well.
Long Iuorie hands, legges straighter then the Pine :
Well shapen feete, but vertue most diuine.

Nor cloathed like a Sheepheardesse,
but rather like a Queene:
Her mantle dooth the formes expresse,
of all which may be seene.
Roabe fitter for an Empresse,
then for a Sheepheards loue :
Roabe fit alone for such a Lasse,
as Emperours doth moue.
Roabe which heauens Queene, the bride of her owne brother,
Would grace herselfe with, or with such another.

Who euer (and who else but Ioue)
embroidered the same :
Hee knew the world, and what did moue,
in all the mightie frame.
So well (belike his skill to proue)
the counterfeits he wrought :
Of wood-Gods, and of euery groaue,
and all which else was ought.
Is there a beast, a bird, a fish worth noate?
Then that he drew, and picturde in her coate.

A vaile of Lawne like vapour thin
vnto her anckle trailes :
Through which the shapes discerned bin,
as too and fro it sailes.
Shapes both of men, who neuer lin
to search her wonders out :
Of monsters and of Gods a kin,
which her empale about.
A little world her flowing garment seemes :
And who but as a wonder thereof deemes?

For heere and there appeare forth towers,
among the chalkie downes :
Citties among the Country bowers,
which smiling Sun-shine crownes.
Her mettall buskins deckt with flowers,
as th'earth when frosts are gone:
Besprinckled are with Orient showers
of hayle and pebble stone.
Her feature peerelesse, peerelesse her attire,
I can but loue her loue, with zeale entire.

O who can sing her beauties best,
or that remaines vnsung?
Doe thou Apollo tune the rest,
vnworthy is my tongue.
To gaze on her, is to be blest,
so wondrous fayre her face is;
Her fairenes cannot be exprest,
in Goddesses nor Graces.
I loue my loue, the goodly worke of Nature:
Admire her face, but more admire her stature.

On thee (ô Cosma) will I gaze,
and reade thy beauties euer :
Delighting in the blessed maze,
which can be ended neuer.
For in the luster of thy rayes,
appeares thy parents brightnes :
Who himselfe infinite displaies
in thee his proper greatnes.
My song must end, but neuer my desire :
For Cosmas face is Theorellos fire.

FINISE.
B.

You Shepherds which on hillocks sit
1
like Princes in their thrones
And guide your flocks, which else would flit,
your flocks of little ones:
Good Kings haue not disdained it,
but Shepherds have been named.
A sheep-hook is a Sceptre fit,
for people well reclaimed.
The Shepherd's life so honoured is and praised, 9
That Kings less happy seem, though higher raised.

The Summer Sun hath gilded fair
with morning rays the mountains.
The birds do carol in the air,
and naked Nymphs in Fountains.
The Sylvans in their shagged hair,
with Hamadryads trace.
The shady Satyrs make a choir,
which rocks with echoes grace.
All breathe delight, all solace in the season:
Not now to sing, were enemy to reason. 20

Cosma my Love, and more than so,
the life of mine affections:
Nor life alone, but Lady too,
and Queen of their directions.Cosma, my Love, is fair you know,
and which you Shepherds know not:
Is (Sophie said) thence called so,
but names her beauty show not.
Yet hath the world no better name than she,
And than the world, no fairer thing can be. 30

The Sun upon her forehead stands,
(or jewel Sun-like, glorious),
Her forehead, wrought with Jove's own hands,
for heavenly white notorious.
Her golden locks like Hermus' sands,
(or than bright Hermus brighter ),
A spangled caul binds in with bands,
than silver morning lighter.
And if the Planets are the chief in skies,
No other stars than Planets are her eyes. 40

Her cheek, her lip, fresh cheek, more
fresh,
than self-blown buds of Roses,
Rare lip, more red than those of flesh,
which thousand sweets encloses.
Sweet breath, which all things doth refresh,
and words than breath far sweeter.
Cheek firm, lip firm, not frail nor nesh,
as substance which is fleeter:
In praise do not surmount, although in placing, 49
Her crystal neck, round breast, and arms embracing.

The thorough-shining air, I ween,
is not so perfect clear
As is the sky of her fair skin,
whereon no spots appear.
The parts which ought not to be seen,
for sovereign worth excel.
Her thighs with Azure branched been,
and all in her are well.
Long Ivory hands, legs straighter then the Pine,
Well shapen feet, but virtue most divine. 60

Nor clothed like a Shepherdess,
but rather like a Queen:
Her mantle doth the forms express,
of all which may be seen.
Robe fitter for an Empress,
than for a Shepherd's love.
Robe fit alone for such a Lass,
as Emperors doth move.
Robe which heaven's Queen, the bride of her own brother,
Would grace herself with, or with such another. 70

Who ever (and who else but Jove)
embroidered the same,
He knew the world, and what did move,
in all the mighty frame.
So well (belike his skill to prove)
the counterfeits he wrought
Of wood-Gods, and of every grove,
and all which else was aught.
Is there a beast, a bird, a fish worth note
Than that he drew, and pictured in her coat? 80

A veil of lawn like vapour thin
unto her ankle trails,
Through which the shapes discerned bin,
as to and fro it sails.
Shapes both of men, who never lin
to search her wonders out,
Of monsters and of Gods a kin,
which her empale about.
A little world her flowing garment seems,
And who but as a wonder thereof deems? 90

For here and there appear forth towers,
among the chalky downs,
Cities among the country bowers,
which smiling Sun-shine crowns.
Her metal buskins decked with flowers,
as th'earth when frosts are gone,
Besprinkled are with Orient showers
of hail and pebble stone.
Her feature peerless, peereless her attire,
I can but love her love, with zeal entire. 100

O who can sing her beauties best,
or that remains unsung?
Do thou Apollo tune the rest,
unworthy is my tongue.
To gaze on her, is to be blest,
so wondrous fair her face is;
Her fairness cannot be expressed
in Godesses nor Graces.
I love my love, the goodly work of Nature,
Admire her face, but more admire her stature. 110

On thee (ô Cosma) will
I gaze,
and read thy beauties ever,
Delighting in the blessed maze,
which can be ended never.
For in the lustre of thy rays,
appears thy parent's brightness,
Who, himself infinite, displays
in thee his proper greatness.
My song must end, but never my desire:
For Cosma's face is Theorello's fire. 120

FINISE.
B.

Two of the stanzas from this poem recall
Shakespeare's sonnets 33 and 130. We cannot assume that the influence is
from Shakespeare to this idyll, rather than in the opposite direction,
as this work has a prior publication date, and was in print nine years
before Shakespeare's sonnets.

I set out below the parts of the sonnets
in question, and the relevant stanzas from this 'Eidillion'.

The Summer Sun hath gilded fair
with morning rays the mountains.
The birds do carol in the air,
and naked Nymphs in Fountains.
The Sylvans in their shagged hair,
with Hamadryads trace.
The shady Satyrs make a choir,
which rocks with echoes grace.
All breathe delight, all solace in the season:
Not now to sing, were enemy to reason.

From Sonnet 33

Full many a glorious morning have I
seen
Flatter the mountain-tops with sovereign eye,
Kissing with golden face the meadows green,
Gilding pale streams with heavenly alchemy;

Her cheek, her lip, fresh cheek, more
fresh,
than self-blown buds of Roses,
Rare lip, more red than those of flesh,
which thousand sweets encloses.
Sweet breath, which all things doth refresh,
and words than breath far sweeter.
Cheek firm, lip firm, not frail nor nesh,
as substance which is fleeter:
In praise do not surmount, although in placing,
Her crystal neck, round breast, and arms embracing.

From Sonnet 130

I have seen roses damask'd, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
And in some perfumes is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing sound;
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground:
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare.

E.B is probably Edmund Bolton, author
of the Elements of Armories, 1610.

NOTES

Edillion = Idyllium,
or idyllion. It is from the Greek eidillion, which is an idyll, or short
poem descriptive of a scene chiefly from rustic life.
2. in their thrones = on their thrones.
5-6. i.e. Good kings have not disdained the title of Shepherd.
7. sheep-hook = a shepherd's crook.
a sceptre fit = a symbol of rule just as befitting as a sceptre is to a
king.
8. well-reclaimed = of good temper, cultivated. Possibly 'of good renown'.
10. higher raised = of a higher station in life.
15. Sylvans = spirits of the woods. Drummond describes them as goat
footed (and probably male).
16. Hamadryad = A wood-nymph fabled to live and die with the tree
which she inhabited. (OED).
trace = tread, walk, proceed.
17. Satyrs = gods or demons who were part human, part horse, or part
goat.
18. i.e. Which the rocks grace with their echoes.
22. mine affections = my passions.
25, 27. Cosma , Sophie. - The poet is punning on the Greek
meanings of the names, beauty (literally 'order, good arrangement') and
wisdom. See note to 29 below.
26. which = that which.
27. thence = because of her beauty.
29. world - the poet continues the pun on the Greek word for the world,
kosmos i.e. order, ornament, world or universe (so called by Pythagoras
or his disciples from its perfect order and arrangement. See
OED cosmos (1) .
32. or jewel, sun-like - i.e. her forehead is like a jewel which shines
as the sun shines. 35. Hermus - a river in Asia Minor (now Turkey)
which joins the Pactolus. Both rivers were thought to have sand containing
gold, and were supposedly the source of Croesus' wealth.
37. A spangled caul = A richly decorated kind of close-fitting cap, worn
by women: a net for the hair; a netted cap or head-dress, often richly ornamented.
See OED (1), which however does not give the spelling 'cavill'. A spangle
is a piece of metal or foil which glints and is sewn on dresses etc. for
ornament.
40. stars - the planets were known as the wandering stars.
42. self-blown = self-opening, flourishing. OED gives 'In bloom; that has
blossomed. Cf. full-blown ' for blown ppl. a(2). The other meanings
of blown ppl. a(1) such as 'tossed by the wind', or 'stale, flat',
do not seem appropriate here.
47. nesh = tender, delicate, weak. (OED 4a.)
48. fleeter = more transitory, less secure.
49-50. i.e all these parts (listed in the lines above), do not surpass the
glory of her neck, although they are physically set above it.
50. arms embracing = arms which are capable of embracing; arms which seem
to enclose all these other parts.
51. thorough-shining = through which the light shines. I ween = I consider.
57. with Azure branched been = (?) Adorned with a figured pattern in embroidery,
gilding, chasing, etc. (OED 2b.) in this case adorned with azure (blue),
probably the blue of her veins. See line 71.
68. i.e who is capable of stirring Emperors to passion. 69. Heaven's Queen
etc. - Hera was the sister as well as the wife of Zeus, according to Greek
mythology. (They were called Jove or Jupiter and Juno in the Latin tradition).
71. This and the next two stanzas continue the description of the robe she
is wearing.
73. what did move = what were the moving forces.
76. counterfeits = copies, images.
78. was aught = was anything worth depicting.
81. lawn = flimsy silk.
83. discerned bin = could be discerned.
85. lin = cease, desist.
87. a kin = related to, i.e. Gods, who are related to monsters, and vice
versa.
88. empale about = surround her.
95. buskins = boots with thick soles such as were worn by the hunter goddess
Diana. The reference to metal probably refers to decoration of gold and
silver, as in heraldry.
100. love her love - possibly a misprint for 'I can but love my love'.
102. Or that remains etc. = (?) or all that which still remains unsung after
all that I have already praised. 103. Apollo - God of the lyre and
of song.
113. the blessed maze = the maze which one enters in seeking to unravel
the mystery of her beauty. A state of bewilderment (OED 3a.).
116. parent = God, or Jupiter.
118. proper = own.
120. fire = passion, love.

Astrophels Loue is dead.

Astrophel's Love is dead.

RIng out
your belles, let mourning shewes be spread,
For
Loue is dead.
All loue is dead, infected
With plague of deepe disdaine :
Worth as nought worth reiected,
And faith faire scorne doth gaine.
From so vngratefull fancie,
From such a femall frenzie,
From them that vse men thus :
Good
Lord deliuer vs.

Weepe neighbours weepe, doe you not heare it
saide
That
Loue is dead?
His death-bed Peacocks follie,
His winding sheete is shame :
His will false, seeming holie,
His sole exectour blame.
From so vngratefull fancie,
From such a female frenzie,
From them that vse men thus :
Good
Lord deliuer vs.

Let Dirge be sunge, and Trentals richly read,
For
Loue is dead.
And wrong his Tombe ordaineth,
My Mistresse marble hart :
Which epitaph containeth,
Her eyes were once his Dart.
From so vngratefull fancie,
From such a female frenzie,
From them that vse men thus :
Good
Lord deliuer vs.

Alas, I lye, rage hath this errour bred,
Loue
is not dead.
Loue is not dead but sleepeth
In her vnmatched minde :
Where shee his counsell keepeth,
Till due desert she find.
Therefore from so vile fancie,
To call such wit a frenzie,
Who loue can temper thus :
Good
Lord deliuer vs.

FINISSir.
Phil. Sidney.

RIng
out your bells, let mourning shows be spread,
For
Love is dead.
All love is dead, infected
With plague of deep disdain.
Worth as naught worth rejected,
And faith fair scorn doth gain.
From so ungrateful fancy,
From such a female frenzy,
From them that use men thus,
Good
Lord deliver us. 10

Weep neighbours, weep. Do you not hear it said
That
Love is dead?
His death-bed Peacock's folly,
His winding sheet is shame,
His will false, seeming holy,
His sole executor, blame.
From so ungrateful fancy,
From such a female frenzy,
From them that use men thus,
Good
Lord deliver us. 20

Let Dirge be sung, and Trentals richly
read,
For
Love is dead
And wrong his Tomb ordaineth
My Mistress' marble heart,
Which epitaph containeth:
Her eyes were once his Dart.
From so ungrateful fancy,
From such a female frenzy,
From them that use men thus,
Good
Lord deliver us. 30

Alas, I lie, rage hath this error bred,
Love
is not dead.
Love is not dead but sleepeth
In her unmatched mind,
Where she his counsel keepeth,
Till due desert she find.
Therefore from so vile fancy,
To call such wit a frenzy,
Who love can temper thus:
Good
Lord deliver us. 40

From the poems appended to the third
edition of Sidney's Arcadia 1598. 'Probably written on the occasion
of Stella's (Lady Penelope Devereux') marriage.' Bullen.

NOTES

1. mourning shows =
all the trappings of mourning, such as black garments, candles, darkened
windows, weeping, solemn prayers etc. .
4. deep disdain - i.e. his mistress disdains his love.
5. Worth is rejected as if it was worthless (naught worth). naught = nothing.
6. Faith is rewarded with scorn.
13. Peacock's folly = the foolishness of the woman (his mistress) who behaves
like a peacock.
14. winding sheet = shroud.
15. His (love's) last will and testament is false, although it seems holy.
Uncertain what this means.
21. Trentals = thirty sung requiem masses.
richly - the 1598 edition of Arcadia gives 'rightly'.
23. Wrong (personified) decrees that his tomb shall be etc.
25. which contains this epitaph.
26. This line is presumably the Epitaph. His dart refers to Cupid's arrow(s),
and often the eyes of the loved one were likened to them, in that they sent
out rays which slew the disdained lover.
31. The lover recants and withdraws his slander, declaring that it was rage
(madness) which caused him to utter it.
34. unmatched = incomparable.
35. Till she finds a worthy love.
38-9. To call into question and certify as madness such wit and discernment
in one who can so ably control and master love. I.e. the poet here asks
that he himself be freed from the madness of such misjudgement.

A Palinode

As withereth the Primrose by the riuer,
As fadeth Sommers-sunne from gliding fountaines ;
As vanisheth the light blowne bubble euer,
As melteth snow vpon the mossie Mountaines.
So melts, so vanisheth, so fades, so withers,
The Rose, the shine, the bubble and the snow,
Of praise, pompe, glorie, ioy (which short life gathers,)
Faire praise, vaine pompe, sweet glory, brittle ioy.
The withered Primrose by the mourning riuer,
The faded Sommers-sunne from weeping fountaines :
The light-blowne bubble, vanished for euer,
The molten snow vpon the naked mountaines,
Are emblems that the treasures we vp-lay,
Soone wither, vanish, fade, and melt
away.

For as the snowe, whose lawne did ouer-spread
Th'ambitious hills, which Giant-like did threat
To pierce the heauen with theyr aspiring head,
Naked and bare doth leaue their craggie seate.
When as the bubble, which did emptie flie
The daliance of the vndiscerned winde :
On whose calme rowling waues it did relie,
Hath shipwrack made, where it did daliance finde :
And when the Sun-shine which dissolu'd the snow,
Cullord the bubble with a pleasant varie,
And made the rathe and timely Primrose grow,
Swarth clowdes with-drawne (which longer time doe tarie)
Oh what is praise, pompe, glory, ioy,
but so
As shine by fountaines, bubbles, flowers
or snow ?

FINISE.
B.

As withereth
the primrose by the river,
As fadeth summer's sun from gliding fountains;
As vanisheth the light blown bubble ever,
As melteth snow vpon the mossy mountains.
So melts, so vanisheth, so fades, so withers,
The rose, the shine, the bubble and the snow, 6
Of praise, pompe, glory, joy (which short life gathers,)
Fair praise, vain pomp, sweet glory, brittle joy.
The withered primrose by the morning river,
The faded summer's sun from weeping fountains,
The light-blown bubble, vanished for ever,
The molten snow upon the naked mountains,
Are emblems that the treasures we up-lay,
Soon wither, vanish, fade, and melt
away. 14

For as the snow, whose lawn did over-spread
Th'ambitious hills, which giant-like did threat
To pierce the heaven with their aspiring head,
Naked and bare doth leave their craggy seat.
When as the bubble, which did empty fly
The dalliance of the undiscerned wind, 20
On whose calm rolling waves it did rely,
Hath shipwreck made, where it did dalliance find.
And when the sunshine which dissolved the snow,
Coloured the bubble with a pleasant vary,
And made the rathe and timely primrose grow,
Swarth clouds with-drawn (which longer time do tarry)
Oh what is praise, pomp, glory, joy,
but so
As shine by fountains, bubbles, flowers
or snow ? 28

E.B is probably Edmund Bolton, author of The
Elements of Armories, 1610.

NOTES

Palinode = A recantation. The tradition
springs from the Ancient World, when poet's repented of their criticism
of some fair beauty, e.g. Helen of Troy, and afterwards sang her praises.
Here the poet repents perhaps that he has formerly sung of the beauties
of nature, but now returns to find them all fleeting.

7. which short life
gathers = which only lives for a short time.
15. lawn = a type of fine white cloth.
20. undiscernesd = not seen by the bubble untill it was too late.
24. vary = variation of colour.
25. rathe = early.
timely = appropriate for the time of year, welcome.
26. swarth = dark. The subject of the line is probably the sunshine of line
23, which drives away the dark clouds. with-drawn = removed.
27. but so as = but as such things are which.

Astrophell the Sheep-heard, his complaint
to his flocke.

Goe my
flocke, goe get yee hence,
Seeke a better place of feeding :
Where yee may haue some defence
From the stormes in my breast breeding,
And showers from mine
eyes proceeding.

Leaue a wretch, in whom all woe,
can abide to keepe no measure :
Merry Flocke, such one forgoe
vnto whom mirth is displeasure,
onely ritch in mischiefes treasure.

7. can abide to keep
no measure = is unable to restrain itself within limits.
8. such one forego = abandon such a one who etc. .
10. mischief's treasure = vast stores of misfortune.
14 -15. This possibly means : Sorrow is only worth proclaiming if it is
extreme.
19. persever = persevere, set one's heart against.
timely = appropriate for the time of year, welcome.
20. although I am never given pleasure by you.
21. refused - pronounced refusèd
22. more love proved = demonstrated that there is more love.
23. caitiff = murderous, evil. i.e. she categorises him as being bad because
of his desire for her.
29. while in flowers etc. = while Pride (i.e. Stella), is all decked out
in flowers.
35. merely = utterly.
36. Forsooth I trow = Indeed I assert that
40. but = unless. I.e. My love could not be counted as love unless I helped
my dog.
41. well away, = alas.
49. blaying = bleating.
50. her poor slave's = of her poor slave's.

Hobbinolls Dittie in prayse of Eliza
Queene of the Sheepheards.

Yee dainty
Nimphs that in this blessed Brooke
Doo
bathe your brest;
Forsake your watry Bowers, and hether looke
At
my request. And you faire Virgins that on Parnasse
dwell,
Whence floweth Helicon the learned well :
Helpe
me to blaze
Her
worthy praise,
Who in her sexe dooth all excell.

Of faire Eliza be your siluer song,
That
blessed wight :
The flower of Virgins, may she flourish long,
In
Princely plight : For shee is Syrinx daughter, without
spot,
Which Pan the Sheepheards God on her begot :
So
sprung her Grace,
Of
heauenly race :
No mortall blemish may her blot.

See where she sits vpon the grassie greene,
O
seemely sight :
Yclad in scarlet, like a mayden Queene,
And
ermines white. Vpon her head a crimson Coronet,
With Daffadills and Damaske Roses set,
Bay
leaues betweene,
And
Primeroses greene :
Embellish the sweet Violet.

Tell me, haue ye beheld her Angels face,
Like
Phoebe faire?
Her heauenly hauiour, her Princely Grace,
Can
well compare. The red-Rose medled and the white yfere,
In eyther cheeke depeincten liuely cheere.
Her
modest eye,
Her
Maiestie,
Where haue you seene the like but there
?

I saw Phoebus thrust out his golden head,
On
her to gaze :
But when he saw how broade her beames did spread
:
It
did him maze. He blusht to see an other Sunne below,
Ne durst againe his fierie face out-show :
Let
him if he dare
His
brightnes compare
With hers, to haue the ouerthrow.

Shew thy selfe Cinthia with thy siluer
rayes,
And
be not abasht,
When she the beames of her beauty displayes,
Oh
how art thou dasht ? But I will not match her with Latonaes
seede,
Such folly great sorrow to Niobe did breede,
Now
is she a stone,
And
makes deadly moane,
Warning all other to take heede.

Pan may
be proud, that euer he begot
Such
a Bellibone :
And Sirinx reioyce, that euer was her lot
To
beare such a one. Soone as my Younglings cryen for the dam,
To her will I offer a milke-white Lamb.
Shee
is my Goddesse plaine,
And
I her Sheepheards Swaine,
Albe for-swonck and for-swat I am.

I see Calliope speede her to the place,
Where
my Goddesse shines :
And after her the other Muses trace
With
their Violines. Bin they not Baie-braunches which they doo
beare :
All for Eliza in her hand to wear ?
So
sweetly they play,
And
sing all the way,
That it a heauen is to heare.

Loe how finely the Graces can it foote,
to
the Instrument :
They dauncen deffely, and singen soote
in
their merriment. Wants not a fourth Grace to make the
daunce euen ?
Let that roome to my Lady be giuen.
Shee
shall be a Grace,
To
fill the fourth place,
And raigne with the rest in heauen.

And whether runnes this beuie of Ladies bright,
Ranged
in a roe ?
They been all Ladies of the Lake behight
That
vnto her goe: Chloris,
that is the chief Nimph of all,
Of Oliue-braunches beares a Coronall :
Oliues
beene for peace
When
warres doo surcease,
Such for a Princesse beene principall.

Bring hether the Pinke and purple Cullumbine.
With
Gillyflowers
Bring sweet Carnasions, and Sops in wine,
Worne
of Paramours. Strew me the ground with Daffa-down-Dillies,
And Cowslips, and Kings-cups, and loued Lillies,
The
pretty Paunce,
And
the Cheuisaunce,
Shall match with the faire flower-Delice.

Ye Sheepheards daughters that dwell on the greene,
Hie
you there a pace,
Let none come there but such as Virgins beene,
To
adorne her Grace. And when you come where as she is in place
:
See that your rudenes doo not you disgrace.
Bind
your Fillets fast,
And
gird in your wast :
For more finenesse with a Tawdrie lace.

Now rise vp Eliza, decked as thou art,
In
royall ray :
And now ye dainty Damsels may depart,
Each
one her way. I feare I have troubled your troupes too long
:
Let dame Eliza thanke you for her Song.
And
if you come hether,
When
Damsins I gather
I will part them all, you among.

FINISEdm.
Spencer

Ye
dainty Nymphs that in this blessed brook
Do
bathe your breast;
Forsake your watery bowers, and hither look
At
my request. And you fair Virgins that on Parnasse
dwell,
Whence floweth Helicon the learned well:
Help
me to blaze
Her
worthy praise,
Who in her sex doth all excel. 9

Of fair Eliza be your silver
song,
That
blessed wight.
The flower of Virgins, may she flourish long,
In
Princely plight : For she is Syrinx daughter,
without spot,
Which Pan the Shepherds God on her begot.
So
sprung her Grace,
Of
heavenly race:
No mortal blemish may her blot. 18

See where she sits upon the grassy green:
O
seemly sight,
Yclad in scarlet, like a maiden Queen,
And
ermines white. Upon her head a crimson Coronet,
With daffodils and damask roses set,
Bay
leaves between,
And
primroses green
Embellish the sweet Violet. 27

Tell me, have ye beheld her Angel's
face,
Like
Phoebe fair?
Her heavenly haviour, her Princely Grace,
Can
well compare. The red rose medlied and the white
yfere,
In either cheek depeincten lively cheer.
Her
modest eye,
Her
Majesty,
Where have you seen the like but there?
36

I saw Phoebus thrust out his
golden head,
On
her to gaze,
But when he saw how broad her beams did spread
It
did him maze. He blushed to see an other Sun below,
Ne durst again his fiery face out-show.
Let
him if he dare
His
brightness compare
With hers, to have the overthrow. 45

Shew thy self Cinthia with thy
silver rays,
And
be not abashed.
When she the beams of her beauty displays,
Oh
how art thou dashed? But I will not match her with Latonae's
seed,
Such folly great sorrow to Niobe did breed,
Now
is she a stone,
And
makes deadly moan,
Warning all other to take heed. 54

Pan may be proud, that ever he begot
Such
a Bellibone.
And Sirinx rejoice, that ever was her lot
To
bear such a one. Soon as my younglings cryen for the
dam,
To her will I offer a milk-white lamb.
She
is my Goddess plain,
And
I her sheepherd's Swain,
Albeit for-swonck and for-sweat I am.
63

I see Calliope speed her to the
place,
Where
my Goddess shines.
And after her the other Muses trace
With
their Violins. Bin they not bay branches which they
do bear.
All for Eliza in her hand to wear?
So
sweetly they play,
And
sing all the way,
That it a heaven is to hear. 72

Lo how finely the Graces can
it foot,
to
the Instrument.
They dauncen deftly, and singen soote
in
their merriment. Wants not a fourth Grace to
make the dance even?
Let that room to my Lady be given.
She
shall be a Grace,
To
fill the fourth place,
And reign with the rest in heauen. 81

And whither runs this bevy of Ladies
bright,
Ranged
in a row?
They been all Ladies of the Lake behight
That
unto her go. Chloris, that is the chief Nymph of all,
Of Olive-branches bears a Coronal.
Olives
been for peace
When
wars do surcease,
Such for a Princess been principal.
90

Bring hither the pink and purple columbine.
With
gillyflowers
Bring sweet carnations, and sops in wine,
Worn
of paramours. Strew me the ground with daffa-down-dillies,
And cowslips, and king-cups, and loved Lilies,
The
pretty Paunce,
And
the Chevisaunce,
Shall match with the faire flower-delice.
99

Ye Shepherds' daughters that dwell on
the green,
Hie
you there apace,
Let none come there but such as Virgins been,
To
adorn her Grace. And when you come where as she is in
place,
See that your rudeness do not you disgrace.
Bind
your Fillets fast,
And
gird in your waist
For more fineness with a tawdry lace.
108

Now rise up Eliza, decked as
thou art,
In
royal ray.
And now ye dainty Damsels may depart,
Each
one her way. I fear I have troubled your troupes
too long.
Let dame Eliza thank you for her song.
And
if you come hither,
When
damsons I gather
I will part them all, you among. 117

FINISEdm.
Spencer

From the fourth Aeclogue
of the Shepheardes Calender 1579.

NOTES

Hobbinoll = One of the
shepherds in Spenser's Shepherd's Calendar.
5. Parnasse = oParnassus - a mountain in Greece sacred to Apollo
and the Muses.
6. Helicon = Sacred river flowing from Parnassus. .
7. blaze = show forth, emblazon.
10. Eliza = Elizabeth I Queen of England.
11. wight = creature, human.
10. higher raised = of a higher station in life.
13. plight = condition.
16. Syrinx = These are the pan pipes, but Sp. here seems to have
personified them as a goddess. He is perhaps suggesting that Eliza
is herself the daughter of music, hence eternally graceful.
21. Yclad = clothed.
29. Phoebe = Artemis or Diana, the goddess of the moon.
30. haviour = behaviour
32. medlied = dappled. yfere = in company together.
31. depeincten = depicted.
37. Phoebus = The god of the sun.
40. maze = amaze.
42. ne durst he = and he did not dare
46. Cinthia = Diana, the goddess of the moon.
50. Latonae = Leto in Greek. The mother of Apollo and Diana.
51. Niobe - She compared her nine children in beauty to those of
Leto. As punishment they were all killed and she herself was turned to stone.
56. Bellibone = belle et bonne Fr. fair and beautiful one.
57. Syrinx see note to line 14 above.
63. for-swonck and for-sweat = out-wearied and over sweated.
64. Calliope = The ninth Muse (Greek) who presided over eloquence
and heroic poetry.
68. Bin they not = are they not?
75. dauncen deftly and singen soote = dance deftly and sing sweetly.
90. been princpal = is of the greatest importance.
97. Paunce = pansy.
98. Chevisaunce = wallflower.
99. flower-delice = fleur-de-lis.
105. rudeness = coarseness, country ignorance.
106. fillets = headbands, usually ornamental.
108. tawdry lace = a silk band.
110. ray = array.
117. I will share them all out amng you.

The Sheepheards
Daffadill

Gorbo, as thou cam'st this way
By yonder little hill,
Or as thou through the fields didst stray,
Saw'st thou my Daffadill ?

Shee's in a frock of Lincolne greene,
The colour Maydes delight,
And neuer hath her Beauty seene
But through a vayle of white.

Then Roses richer to behold,
That dresse vp Louers Bowers,
The Pansie and the Marigold
Are Phoebus Paramoures.

Thou well describ'st the Daffadill,
It is not full an hower
Since by the Spring neere yonder hill
I saw that louely flower.

Yet with my flower thou didst not meete,
Nor newes of her doest bring,
Yet is my Daffadill more sweete
Then that by yonder Spring.

I saw a Sheepheard that doth keepe
In yonder field of Lillies,
Was making (as he fed his sheepe)
A wreath of Daffadillies.

Subsequently reprinted as part of The
Ninth Eclog in Drayton's Poemes Lyrick and pastorall (1605 ?)
and collected Poems 1619.

NOTES

5. Lincoln green - a
yellowish light green.
6. maids delight - that pleases maids.
7. And never has her beauty been seen.
12. Phoebus paramours - lovers of the sun. The thought of the stanza
seems to be that the pansy and the marigold are more beautiful than the
rose.
21. that doth keep - who remains

A Canzon Pastorall in honour of her Maiestie.

Alas what
pleasure now the pleasant Spring Hath given place,
To harsh black frosts the sad ground covering, Can wee poore wee embrace,
When euery bird on euery branch can sing
Naught but this note of woe alas?
With vs as May, September hath a prime,
Then birds and branches your alas is fond,
Which call vpon the absent Sommer time: For did flowres make our May Or the Sun-beames your day,
When Night and Winter did the world embrace,
Well might you waile your ill and sing alas.

Loe Matron-like the Earth her selfe attires
In habite graue,
Naked the fields are, bloomlesse are the brires, Yet we a Sommer haue,
Who in our clime kindleth these liuing fires,
Which bloomes can on the briers saue.
No Ice doth christallize the running Brooke,
No blast deflowres the flowre-adorned field,
Christall is cleere, but cleerer is the looke,
Which to our climes these liuing fires dooth yield: Winter though euery whereHath no abiding heere:
On Brooks and Briers she doth rule alone,
The Sunne which lights our world is always one.

FINIS Edmund Bolton

A Canzon Pastoral in honour
of her Majesty.

Alas
what pleasure now the pleasant Spring Hath given place
To harsh black frosts the sad ground covering, Can we, poor we, embrace,
When every bird on every branch can sing
Naught but this note of 'woe alas'?6
With us as May, September hath a prime,
Then birds and branches your 'alas' is fond,
Which call upon the absent Summer time: For did flowers make our May Or the sunbeams your day, 11
When Night and Winter did the world embrace,
Well might you wail your ill and sing 'alas'.

Lo matron-like the earth her self attires
In habit grave,
Naked the fields are, bloomless are the briers, Yet we a Summer have, 17
Who in our clime kindleth these living fires,
Which blooms can on the briers save.
No Ice doth crystallize the running Brook,
No blast deflowers the flower-adorned field,
Crystal is clear, but clearer is the look
Which to our climes these living fires doth yield: Winter though everywhere 24Hath no abiding here:
On Brooks and Briers she doth rule alone,
The Sun which lights our world is always one.

FINIS Edmund Bolton

NOTES

Her Majesty - Queen Elizabeth I
The theme of the poem is that the presence of the Sun (Queen Elizabeth)
overcomes all sorrow and hardship that the winter might otherwise bring.
6. Naught but - nothing but.
7. September is like May for us, it has its prime season when everyting
flourishes.
8. fond - foolish.
10-11. If we relied on flowers and you relied on sun-beams only (rather
than on the sight of her majesty).
15. habit grave - gloomy attire or dress.
19. Which can protect blossoms on the briers.
23. yield - give

Melicertus Madrigale

Whatare my Sheepe, without their wonted food?
What is my life, except I gaine my Loue?
My Sheepe consume, and faint for want of blood,
My life is lost vnlesse I Grace approue. No flower that saplesse thriues, No Turtle without pheare.

The day without the Sunne doth lower for woe,
Then woe mine eyes, vnlesse they beauty see:
My Sonne Samelaes eyes, by whom I know,
Wherein delight consists, where pleasures be. Nought more the hart reuiues, Then to embrace his Deare.

The starres from earthly humours gaine their
light,
Our humours by their light possesse their power: Samelaes eyes fed by my weeping sight,
Infuse my paines or ioyes, by smile or lower. So wends the source of loue, It feedes, it fails, it ends.

Kind lookes, clear to your Ioy, behold her eyes,
Admire her hart, desire to taste her kisses:
In them the heauen of ioy and solace lyes,
Without them, euery hope his succour misses. Oh how I liue to prooue, Whereto this solace tends?

FINIS. Ro. Greene.

Melicertus
Madrigale

Whatare my Sheep,without their wonted food?
What is my life, except I gain my love?
My Sheep consume and faint for want of blood,
My life is lost unless I grace approve. No flower that sapless thrives, No turtle without pheare.6

The day without the sun doth lour for
woe,
Then woe mine eyes, unless they beauty see:
My sun Semele's eyes, by whom I know,
Wherein delight consists, where pleasures be. Nought more the heart revives, Than to embrace his dear. 12

The stars from earthly humours gain
their light,
Our humours by their light possess their power: Semele's eyes fed by my weeping sight,
Infuse my pains or joys, by smile or lour. So wends the source of love, It feeds, it fails, it ends. 18

Kind looks, clear to your joy, behold
her eyes,
Admire her heart, desire to taste her kisses:
In them the heaven of joy and solace lies,
Without them, every hope his succour misses. Oh how I live to prove, Whereto this solace tends. 24